Friends doing good.

I have noticed that many people associated with Out Of Place are creating incredible things.  The following is a rundown of some of the awesomeness.

Gabe Schray is working on an album with his duo Qix (they played the CIFF OOP after party at Ben’s loft).  I have listened to the song “Your Fate,” from the upcoming album, at least 200 times in the three weeks since it was posted online.
Your Fate by QIX by Actual Archives LLC

The Barn Owls sent me a folder full of unreleased demos that are crazy.   A few tunes are on their Myspace and should be listened to.  But in my view the most interesting of the new songs are the ones that Robby told me I can not leak in any way….As soon as I have the go ahead I will be posting links to the songs.   Jason is taking his music to the limite and recording under the name Good Buddy.  He does a cover of Chris Isaak that is spooky.   And Robby is taking it to the limit EVERYDAY.  I heard that he is on a rampage.  Slamming the drums and shooting the best photographs of his life.  BTW, I found out that his lawn crew set a new industry record by doing 45 lawns in one day (and lawns that were not close to one another).

Jamie Yanak has officially retired as a roofer and returned to his former profession.  Look for his pictures on the front page of newspapers across the country.  He is free and shooting like mad (rumor has it mostly on film) and has started publishing an excellent blog, The Sewer Pipe, documenting the Wagner Surf Club.

Our design man Trevor Marzella is spending his summer working for CIA.  They were smart to get him on the staff this summer.  Speaking of design.  I learned more about who designed the Dawn Patrol Coffee artwork, Sean Higgins.  He and a partner create some of the coolest posters I have ever seen under the name The Bubble Process.  A great name. Reminds me of the bubble wands at the old COSI on Broad Street.

Further musing on independent surf film life:

Vince called me at 5:00 am EST a few weeks back to tell me that MARK CUNNINGHAM was at the screening in Honolulu and stuck around the Q & A to say that he liked the movie and that it beat the hell out of the surf flick he saw the night before.  I first saw Mark body surfing in the T Moss Campbell flick Sprout.  Mark Cunningham is a legend.  Watch this awesome video with him on HI Shredability on VBS.TV.   Pipeline sans board.  Heavy. He really seems to radiate/embody aloha.  Makes me miss the mosquito swarmed Yurt in the Maui jungle I lived in for a while.

Yesterday

I woke on the right side of the bed to this in my inbox:

“Just got to tell you guys, I saw the film tonight and have seen most of the other films shown so far during this years festival, and your film is the BEST one yet. Those guys really embody the true spirit of surfing without all the BS surf “culture” we experience here. Thought you would like to know also, most of the other films I’ve seen this year most people start leaving once the credits start rolling, and everyone in attendance stayed all the way through the credits for your film, and there was plenty applause at the end!! Great work, and give my props to all those guys if you get a chance for being TRUE surfers. It’s funny to say, but you never know where inspiration may come from, and a handful of surfers from Cleveland inspired us in Hawaii tonight!! – Jason”

That made me smile all day. Mahalo, Jason.  Continuing with Hawaii related news, my girlfriend’s mother caught a matinee at the Doris Duke Theatre and she gave it two thumbs up.  No small feat.  She is a bit of a cinefile and gives no false praise.  She said it was very funny, too.  She liked Vince.

Scott received an email from Wingnut, yes Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, yes from Endless Summer II and every long boarding magazine ever printed.  Scott thought it was a hoax perpetrated by one of the Wagners.  It was classic.  Forcing a follow up, “No, I am really Wingnut. I assure you.”  He asked for a DVD.  One was promptly sent.

I was pleasantly surprised to get a dvd request from a producer with Rough House Pictures, the incredible company founded by Danny McBride, Jody Hill and David Gordon Green that’s responsible for some of the best comedy anywhere.  Kenny FUCKING Powers.   The dude that requested the film is a surfer and said he has heard amazing things about the movie.  WTF.  Sweeeeeeeet streeeeet cred.  Word spreads quick.

Remember to check out Whole Foods or Phoenix Coffee for DAWN PATROL.  Please send photographic evidence if you spot it.  And if you like it let us know.

That’s all for now.

-Kurt

P.S.

I seriously recommend the mango Mochi from Traders Joe, body surfing the shore break,  snorkeling when the water is clear, watching season 1 of East Bound and Down, listening to Ariel Pink, grilling vegetables on the Weber, letting pizza dough rise over night for better texture and flavor, backing up your back up, wearing tech shorts, thinking about Tevas or maybe Chacos or maybe Birkenstocks, and lastly swimming at waterfalls.

Also, 3-D movies are hype, the colors are dim, and it is over priced.  Toy Story 3 is good, but not as good as Up.  I look forward to the Expendables.  And the latest Black Keys album is excellent. Wonderfully produced.  Lots to find in those songs.